Vasik and Vasik (No. 3)

This matter concerned parenting and property proceedings between the husband and wife, with Justice Bennett presiding. The dispute involved the living arrangements for the children, A and B, and the need for expert evidence and counselling for the wife. The court also addressed the financial aspects of the proceedings, including the costs associated with expert witnesses and legal representation.

The court was required to determine the interim parenting orders for the children, including their living arrangements with each parent. It also needed to consider the role and reporting of expert witnesses, specifically Dr N and Ms F, and to facilitate a conference between them to establish a recommended course of counselling or therapy for the wife. Furthermore, the court addressed the provision of information regarding legal costs and the source of funds for those costs, as well as the disclosure of necessary items for the children.

Justice Bennett discharged all previous parenting orders, except for those requiring the family's attendance upon a psychologist, Ms L. The court established a detailed schedule for the children's living arrangements with the husband and wife, with specific provisions for school holidays. The court directed that the matter be removed from the Magellan list and placed in the Trial Notice Pool for an expedited hearing, noting that conciliation had occurred and expert evidence had been filed. The court also mandated that the independent children's lawyer facilitate a conference between Dr N and Ms F to agree on the wife's counselling, and to provide parties with details of recommended counselling for the wife and parenting education for the husband. The court further ordered that each parent indemnify the independent children's lawyer for the costs of Ms F's attendance by telephone for cross-examination.